HomeMy WebLinkAbout- - Charter Timeline of Events - 12/6/2011REVISED Timeline of Events for Creating Proposed Charter
Before Costa Mesa residents can vote on whether their municipality should
become a charter city, state law requires a three-month public hearing process
so the issue can be thoroughly vetted by the public.
Here is the relevant text from the state law:
Prior to approving the submission to the voters of a proposal to adopt a charter, the
governing body shall hold at least two public hearings on the matter of the proposal of a
charter and the content of the proposed charter. Notice of the public hearings shall be
given by publication pursuant to Section 6066, in a newspaper designated by the
governing body and circulated throughout the city, and by posting the notice in three
public places within the jurisdiction at least 21 calendar days prior to the date of each
public hearing. The second public hearing shall be held at least 30 days after the first
public hearing. At least one of the public hearings shall be held outside of normal
business hours to facilitate public participation. The governing body shall not conduct a
vote on whether to approve the submission to the voters of the proposal to adopt a
charter until 21 days after the second public hearing.
[Cal. Gov. Code 34458(b) (effective on January 1, 2012)]
Between December 6, 2011 and March 6, 2012, the City of Costa Mesa will hold
a series of City Council meetings, study sessions, informational town hall
meetings, and mandatory hearings (pursuant to state statute) to provide
information and receive input on the proposed charter.
The City will also provide on its website and through other information outlets
information about the potential charter and the process of getting it on the ballot
for the June 5, 2012 election.
Below is the tentative schedule of meetings, study sessions, town hall meetings,
and mandatory hearings.
Dec. 6, City Council meeting: Report on possible City charter, including
introduction to what's a charter, pros and cons of becoming a charter city,
and procedure for being a charter city (including proposed timeline); first
draft of the charter will be presented and discussed; public comment will
be taken.
Dec. 20, deadline for notice posted for the mandatory First Hearing of
proposed charter on Jan. 10, 2012.
Jan. 10, Special City Council meeting (First Hearing): The City Council will
look at potential provisions to include in a charter for Costa Mesa, take
public comment and may vote on a first draft of a charter, which can be
edited by the council throughout the process.
Jan. 23, deadline for notice posted for the mandatory Second Hearing of
proposed charter on Feb. 14, 2012.
Jan. 24 and/or Jan. 31, Potential town hall meetings on charter: If needed,
the City of Costa Mesa will present information on the charter and charter
process.
Feb. 14, Special City Council meeting (Second Hearing): City Council will
receive public comment and may continue to hone the draft charter toward
completion.
March 6, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING to vote upon resolution
directing that the Charter be submitted to the Voters: This is the
earliest date in which Council may adopt a resolution directing the charter
to be submitted to the voters.